Update on Aaron Ramsey fitness

The Welshman has been missing in action ever since his stunning double helped Arsenal to a 4-1 victory over Galatasaray in the final game of their Champions League group stage campaign.

At this time last year, the Welshman suffered a severe setback to a thigh problem which saw him sidelined for nearly three months following an injury which was initially deemed to rule him out for only three weeks.

Ahead of the trip to West Ham on Sunday, Arsene Wenger suggested that the 25-year-old had a ‘minor chance’ of being available for the clash with Southampton.

But despite revealing that Thursday’s meeting with Ronald Koeman’s side will come too so for Ramsey, Arsene Wenger made it clear that Ramsey will not be spending an extended stay in the treatment room like last year.

“Ramsey is not available yet. There’s no setback but because he had a setback last year, we have to be very cautious with his thigh – he was out for three months.” Wenger said

Mesut Ozil is set to return to full training tomorrow but he is one of several fitness concerns in the Arsenal squad with Danny Welbeck the latest worry. Olivier Giroud’s three-match ban means Wenger’s options upfront may not be enough at the St Mary’s stadium.

But one man who is familiar with that centre-forward role is the returning Theo Walcott who may do more than remain on the bench this time according to the Arsenal boss.

“Walcott is involved because he was already in the squad. Of course I judge him a bit short on the competition front but on the fitness front he is ready to play.” the Frenchman said